I recently received editor feedback on my second draft of my work in progress. The nine-page letter sent me on a roller coast of ups and down, smiles and frowns. My shoulders sank an inch with each of the seven main points I realized I still needed to change and consider.

One can’t help but be inspired by the quotes you posted. I especially liked, “You can always edit a bad page. You can’t edit a blank page.” Glad you are recovering from seven point of challenge. Thank you for co-hosting July IWSG blog hop.
Lynn La Vita @ Writers Supporting Writers

Great post! Yes, you described reactions to editor feedback so well. It is a roller coaster. No matter how well the work is written, there’s always something they find that needs a little tweaking. And that always stings a bit. Love how your attitude shifted throughout and you’re now ready to tackle it. Kudos to you!

Thanks for co-hosting with me. I can relate to the Jodi Picoult quote. As I write my first draft of new chapters, I remind myself of that quote and the reward of editing which I like better once I get some words down.

Great quotes! The Picoult one is so true. I love your attitude. You’ve consciously taken your initial reaction to the feedback and turned it 180 into a positive approach to tackling your edits. Your story will be all the better for them. Can’t wait to read it when it’s finished 🙂

I love this journey through your thoughts and the decision to begin again! Way to go!
I’m starting anew this month, too, with a new project (others are on revision or on vacation from me) and a new attitude.
Happy Writing!

Wonderful quotes! How awesome for you to be so far along in the journey. I’m close to finishing the first draft of my first novel and the excitement is driving my work. I’m sure the revision process will require the same reflection you’re experiencing right now. And yes, I’m ready. We can do this. Thanks for co-hosting today.

Lacking in writing mojo lately but there’s nothing like a good quote to give you a helpful push. Always liked that quote by Jodi Picoult and Richard Bach. I came across this particular quote not long after I started writing again almost six years ago. And like to quote it whenever I need it.:

“It is perfectly okay to write garbage–as long as you edit brilliantly.”― C. J. Cherryh

I’m not sure if non-writers are aware how much courage it takes to be an author. The first hurdle is that blank page. Then it’s facing the editor’s critique. And, finally, those reader book reviews can drive a writer to terrible thoughts – like giving up. So glad your courage is made of the strong stuff. Well done! Thank you for co-hosting, Erika.

Great quotes, Erika. Don’t get discouraged by the editor’s critique. And don’t follow her ‘points’ blindly either. Think about them and only change what you agree with 100%. Your editor is human, like everyone else, and human reaction to art (and fiction is art) is always subjective. Another editor might give you 5 different points, or 2, or 25. It’s more often than not a matter of personal taste and doesn’t reflect the quality of your writing.
When I tried to find a publisher for my first fantasy novel a few years ago, I got an acceptance and a contract. I celebrated. Then the publisher assigned me an editor, and the editor didn’t like my heroine. She sent me a letter with many points that should be changed. But I couldn’t do it. Those changes would make my protagonist totally different, and I couldn’t twist her personality to conform to someone else’s views of what was right. I refused and broke the contract. Later, I found another publisher, and the novel was published with only minor alterations.
Trust in yourself before you trust in anyone else.

There’s critism and then there’s constructive critism. I strive for the latter. It’s the only way to grow as a writer. As long as the points are doable, feel proud you got this far. It’s the journey. 🙂

Although it doesn’t feel funny at the time, it must be amusing for others to watch writers go through stages of grief when they receive editorial feedback. My first stage is often shock/denial (She can’t be reading the same manuscript I am!) followed by anger (What? She doesn’t understand my characters!!!) followed by bargaining (what if I change this not that?), sadness (I suck as a writer) and finally acceptance. My editor always makes my writing better but it is an emotional process for sure!

The way I look at it is every bit of constructive criticism I get is an opportunity to learn and grow as a writer so that I never make the same mistake again. If you see it as a positive thing, it actually feels good, even if you realize you’ve got a lot more work ahead of you.

These are wonderful quotes, especially Anne Frank’s. Criticism is far better than no response at all. Apathy is much worse. What can one do with that? You earned the time they spent sending your their thoughts. That’s a wonderful thing, even though it stings. You are on the path to greatness.